Welcome to the Senior Executives Association

Senior Executives Association (SEA) is the professional association for career members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and equivalent positions. SEA is not only the voice of the SES through a strong advocacy program, it empowers senior leaders across government by providing the tools, resources and connections they need to succeed in the 21st century.

SEA's membership spans across government agencies, missions and functions, giving SEA a unique whole of government perspective and the ability to connect to the skills, tools and people (both public and private sectors) that senior leaders need. SEA members receive access to research and news, strategic networks, and connections to the good practices across government that they may not receive on the job.

Above all else, SEA is guided by dedication to public service and to helping career federal leaders better serve the American people.

SEA - Empowering Career Leaders For Success

SEA Legislative Director to Serve as New Interim President

The Senior Executives Association’s Board of Directors has named SEA Legislative Director Jason Briefel as the new Interim President, to serve while the search continues for permanent leadership.

Briefel has been a member of the SEA government affairs team since 2012 when he joined Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. Starting as the Senior Policy Advisor before moving into his current role as Legislative Director, Briefel has represented the Association in a variety of capacities. He regularly works with Congress and the Administration on policy matters affecting not only senior executives, but also government management and the federal workforce overall. Additionally, his consistent presence and representation on behalf of SEA has ensured the organization a place of leadership within the Public Employees Roundtable, Government Managers Coalition, Federal-Postal Coalition, Government Performance Coalition, Transitions in Governance 2016, and other key spaces for policy advocacy.

“It has been a privilege to work on behalf of the Senior Executives Association these past years, and I am honored by the Board’s confidence in my ability to help navigate this transition,” said Briefel. “Senior Executives are facing a myriad of attacks from Capitol Hill, in addition to major initiatives from the Administration and an upcoming presidential transition. I look forward to providing consistent engagement and assisting the organization in any way I can.”

Briefel is also a regular host of FEDtalk on Federal News Radio, and serves as Editor of the FEDmanager and FEDagent e-report newsletters.

He has previously worked in Congress for a member of the North Carolina delegation and the DC-based think tank Third Way. He also served as a project manager and research assistant for the FireChasers – a collaborative research endeavor between the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina State University.

SEA Board Chair, Barbara Pabotoy, said of the announcement, “During his time with SEA, Jason has demonstrated a deep understanding of and dedication to the Association’s goals, in addition to his exemplary legislative and policy work. He has a keen comprehension of what makes a successful strategy initiative and how best to carry it out. The Board has full confidence that Jason will serve the Association well during this time of transition, and continue the mission of supporting Senior Executive Service and Senior Professional employees as the basis for efficient and effective government management.”

Due to personal reasons, the previously named Interim President Tim Dirks has stepped down from the role.

The Senior Executives Association (SEA) is a professional association representing Senior Executive Service members and other career federal executives. Founded in 1980, SEA’s goals are: to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of the federal government; to advance the professionalism and advocate the interests of career federal executives; and to enhance public recognition of their contributions. The SEA Professional Development League (PDL) is a nonprofit educational organization committed to advancing the professionalism of career federal executives through the sponsorship of training, recognition, and research activities.###

SEA connects its members to the networks, opportunities and resources that help them succeed. SEA also provides a forum for its members to engage in policy discussions on critical government management challenges and opportunities. Through membership, SEA members are part of the movement to transform government for the 21st century and to empower senior leaders to drive change.

What you get

Through strategic connections, insight into cutting-edge practices and resources, career advancement tools, and thought leadership, SEA helps its members build a “Leadership Profession” within the federal government to ensure that the experience of senior career leaders is used in new ways to promote a stronger and more effective government.

SEA membership options are available to career SES and equivalent positions, retired SES and aspiring leaders (GS-12 through GS-15). Click below for information about eligibility and membership categories.